Remembering the Coast Guard’s first aviation casualty

At the Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City, the United States Coast Guard Aviation Memorial pays tribute to aircrews who did not return. The memorial stands on the grounds of the Wings of Faith Aviation Memorial Chapel at Support Center Elizabeth City.

One of the names listed on the memorial is Charles T. Thrun, who was killed when his aircraft pitched down and crashed into the waters off Cape May, N.J. A building on the Coast Guard base also bears his name. Thrun Hall is a circular building often referred to as “the donut.”

Charles T. Thrun joined the Coast Guard on May 5, 1916 at the age of 30. At that time, the Coast Guard had no aircraft to call its own……